STWF Sports | Dec. 2, 2025 – The middleweight division was rocked on Tuesday as news broke that unified IBF and WBO champion Janibek Alimkhanuly has reportedly tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug, jeopardizing his highly anticipated 160-pound unification clash with WBA champion Erislandy Lara. The bout was scheduled to take place this Saturday on the undercard of Isaac Cruz vs. Lamont Roach in San Antonio, but now appears to be off pending further investigation.
According to a report from Ring Magazine journalist Mike Coppinger, Janibek returned an adverse analytical finding during testing administered by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA). Esteemed boxing reporter Dan Rafael later obtained documents indicating that Premier Boxing Champions—the promotional outfit staging the fight—had already been informed the fight would be canceled.
If confirmed, the result could have massive implications for the Kazakh champion’s career, the future of the middleweight division, and the standings of several elite fighters eyeing Janibek as a potential opponent.
JANIBEK RESPONDS: “I HAVE ALWAYS SUPPORTED CLEAN SPORT”
The undefeated 32-year-old wasted no time issuing a statement on X (formerly Twitter), pushing back against the implications and requesting a retest.
“I have always supported clean sport, you know this well,” Janibek wrote. “I was surprised when I read the news. VADA took the first test and said everything was clean. I have not made any changes to my vitamins. I don’t know what happened with the second test, so I requested a retest.”
While a retest is possible, VADA’s procedures are considered among the strictest and most respected in the sport. If the adverse finding is upheld, Janibek could face suspension, the stripping of titles, and a major setback to his reputation as one of the most technically gifted fighters in the division.
CRAWFORD WAS WATCHING CLOSELY
The situation also affects one of boxing’s biggest stars: Terence Crawford, the undisputed super middleweight champion. Crawford has been openly eyeing a drop down to 160 pounds to pursue a historic world title in a sixth weight class—something that would make him the first male boxer in the four-belt era to win titles in four separate divisions.
Last month, Crawford publicly hinted at interest in fighting Janibek. He told Janibek’s manager he was “watching” closely, and later posted a split-screen photo of himself and Janibek posing at the same time—a subtle but unmistakable signal that a future showdown was possible.
Crawford’s recent comment after beating Canelo—“Who knows, I might go down to 160lbs”—now carries an extra layer of intrigue. With Janibek’s future uncertain and Lara suddenly needing a new opponent, the already thin middleweight division could rapidly reshuffle.
LARA EXPECTED TO FIGHT ON—AGAINST SOMEONE ELSE
Per reports, Erislandy Lara will still compete this weekend, but now in a WBA title defense against a yet-to-be-confirmed opponent. Lara, at 41 years old, remains the oldest active world champion in boxing and was eager for his shot at unifying the belts. The cancellation of the Janibek fight marks a major missed opportunity for the veteran Cuban.
A DIVISION IN DISARRAY
Fans expressed immediate disappointment—and frustration—over the news. Many pointed out that the 160-pound division has lacked star power in recent years. The potential collapse of Janibek vs. Lara only deepens that problem.
“The boxing gods keeping that dreaded Janibek vs. Crawford fight from happening,” one fan joked on social media. Another wrote: “This better not be true. The 160lbs division already looks terrible.”
Meanwhile, WBC middleweight champion Carlos Adames is left waiting. Adames, who recently fought Hamzah Sheeraz to a controversial draw, had been in negotiations to face Janibek earlier this year, but talks fell apart.
WHAT’S NEXT?
For now, the boxing world waits on the results of Janibek’s retest. If the findings are upheld, the middleweight division could undergo a dramatic realignment, with titles possibly vacated—and opportunities opening for fighters eager to claim the top spot at 160.
If the test is overturned, Janibek may attempt to salvage the unification bout and repair his reputation. But with VADA involved, the road back may not be simple.
Either way, the ripple effects are already being felt, and a division that desperately needed clarity now finds itself facing even more uncertainty.
